WASHINGTON – The controversial alliance between the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Coca-Cola Company took center stage during preliminary discussions Oct. 20 at the AAFP Congress of Delegates.
The congress’s Reference Committee on Organization and Finance addressed a resolution offered by the Maryland and Rhode Island chapters that calls on AAFP to not engage in discussions to renew the alliance when the time comes in November 2015.
Dr. Lori J. Heim
Public perception of the partnership dominated those who opposed the renewing alliance as sugary drinks come under public scrutiny for their role in the growing obesity problem, despite positive steps the Coca-Cola Co. has taken to encourage healthier behavior.
A delegate from New York, who admitted to being a Coke drinker, said that the organization “shouldn’t underestimate how negatively that AAFP is looked upon for its link to this company where most of their products are not health choices for their patients. As a group that is trying to promote health, I would say we shouldn’t be linked or taking large amounts of sponsorship from them.”
A renewed relationship with Coca-Cola could bring the AAFP more than $1 million over 2 years, according to the resolution.
Another delegate noted recent evidence suggesting that artificial sweeteners could be contributing to metabolic disorders, making it more difficult to promote diet soft drinks as an alternative.
In support of the alliance, a delegate from Texas noted that many AAFP member benefits, including offering continuing medical education credits and political advocacy, “cost money. You do have to look at this [alliance] with eyes open and sometimes have to look at both sides. ... Sometimes we have to make difficult compromises to support our overall mission.”
Dr. Lori J. Heim, AAFP president from 2009-2010, also spoke in support of the alliance.
Dr. Heim noted that the company has sought out not only AAFP, but also other medical specialty societies representing cardiologists, pediatricians, and sports medicine specialties, as well as representatives from groups representing nutritionists and nurses, to solicit feedback on becoming a better corporate citizen.
And while the changes that have come from this have not gone far enough, Dr. Heim said, there has been progress, such as the smaller cans and clearly displayed calorie information to help patients make better choices.
“This is pretty much unheard of,” said Dr. Heim, who was AAFP president when the alliance was formed. “Have there been monumental changes? No. Have they gone as far as I would have liked them to go? No. Have we seen changes though? Yes.”
And those steps of progress go well beyond the initial intent of the alliance, which Dr. Heim reminded reference committee members was to help promote FamilyDoctor.org.
As for the perception issue, while many delegates felt that the alliance put them in an awkward position to have to defend it to their patients, Dr. Reid Blackwelder suggested the perception issue may be more individualized rather than widespread.
“I will assure you our reputation is strong and our voice is heard,” said Dr. Blackwelder, who completes his term as AAFP president on Oct. 22. “And even though you will hear stories of how folks are having to justify the relationship, as your face and voice this past year, I can promise you I have not done a single media interview or question about this issue. You can argue whether that should or should not be the case but many other issues are where I am being asked for input and not for this one.”
Other resolutions addressed at the reference committee meeting included:
• A resolution from the Tennessee delegation to modify the oath of AAFP Fellows. The resolution would strike a clause about patients and “placing their welfare above all else” and replace it with language that better supports work/life balance.
• A resolution from the Texas delegation that would shift the composition of the AAFP Congress of Delegates away from a senatorial style makeup (two delegates and an alternate from each state chapter) and instead compose the body on a more proportional basis.